Series Produced Exclusively in High-Definition for Animania HD
New York, NY – March 7, 2007 – VOOM HD Networks' Animania HD, a channel solely dedicated to animation where cartoon worlds take on astonishing depth and detail, announced today they have acquired the new original series, RoboRoach which was produced by Portfolio Entertainment, an award winning international production and distribution company. The 26, half-hour episodes premiere this month and appeal to children 7 to 13 years of age, featuring the adventures of two bug brothers, Rube and Reg. Animania HD is part of the VOOM HD Networks, the largest and most diverse suite of high-definition channels currently available on DISH Network.
"Animania HD is the only channel aggressively working to give children a truly cinematic viewing experience by airing animated programming in HD," said Keith O'Connell, Vice President of Programming for Animania HD. "Animania HD is continually committed to showcasing quality, innovative animation from across the globe, contributing to our ever-increasing library of high-definition entertainment."
Based on a true story in which scientists in Tokyo experimented on cockroaches by implanting mini computer chips and camera on them, RoboRoach follows the story of two bug brothers named Rube and Reg. When trying to escape from the scientist's lab, the brothers jump into an electrical plug, forever transforming Rube into RoboRoach-a half-robot half-cockroach. Rube is voiced by Scott Thompson, best known for his time as a member of the comedy troupe Kids in the Hall. The series for tweens follows Rube's crazy adventures as the superhero of the town of Vexberg.
Since its launch, Animania HD has introduced a variety of high-definition animated series including PIC ME, an award-winning interactive animated series where a child literally stars in his/her own cartoon and Mr Bean, The Animated Series, a new animated series with distinct vocal sounds of Bean provided by Rowan Atkinson, the star of UK TV's first broadcast of "Mr. Bean" in 1990. This new announcement for Animania HD confirms VOOM's commitment to growing and to investing in the brand's aggressive move into the marketplace.
Animania HD acquired RoboRoach from Bejuba Entertainment, an executive production and distribution company based out of Los Angeles.
About VOOM HD Networks
VOOM HD Networks is the largest suite of high-definition channels available anywhere, produced exclusively in high definition for distribution in the United States through satellite and cable operators. The VOOM HD Networks carry programming in categories as diverse as sports, movies, fashion, music and art. Today, the VOOM HD Networks are available nationally on Echostar's DISH Network. The VOOM HD Networks were developed by Rainbow Media to meet the growing demand for quality high-definition programming, building on Rainbow Media's history of original programming innovation.
About Rainbow Media Holdings LLC
Rainbow Media Holdings LLC is a subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation (NYSE: CVC). Rainbow Media creates and manages some of the country's most compelling and dynamic entertainment brands including popular national and regional television channels AMC, fuse, The Independent Film Channel (IFC), WE tv, and two FSN affiliated regional sports networks managed by Rainbow Sports Networks. The company also manages Mag Rack and sportskool, two original on-demand networks; VOOM HD Networks, the largest and most diverse suite of high definition channels available anywhere; IFC Entertainment, its film distribution, production and exhibition division; Rainbow Advertising Sales Corporation, its advertising sales division; and Rainbow Network Communications, its full service network programming origination and distribution company.
About Portfolio Entertainment
Since 1991, Portfolio Entertainment has made its mark as a world-renowned producer and international distributor of high quality television programming. Portfolio's founding partners, Lisa Olfman and Joy Rosen have built their organization into a dynamic independent with a reputation for creativity, key domestic and international partnerships and market adaptability. Artistic vision, entrepreneurial skill and an abiding commitment to excellence are the company's abiding principles, The Company's high concept RoboRoach series, airs in Canada on Teletoon. International rights were acquired by Jetix – Europe. Portfolio has recently completed Carl2, an animated series for tweens about a teenage slacker who accidentally orders himself a clone online.